BAYLEY, Linda

BAYLEY,Linda

Those of us who have known Linda well through the years are feeling that a very special gift has slipped from our lives this week.

Even with such efficient, kind and gracious care from the staff at Rockyview Hospital and Bethany Nursing Home in Calgary and finally, Sagewood in Strathmore, the past few years have been difficult. Her terrific and often witty sense of humor and fun loving adventurous nature faded and a sad steady good-bye had to be said. On occasion, we saw some of her old self show through her sadness and confusion. What a blessing those times have been for us, leaving us with cherished memories and a longing to see her “whole” when we reunite with her in heaven.

She had a strong belief in and love for God and family. 

She is predeceased by her wise and very nurturing mom and dad, Charles and Edna Bayley, who guided and cared for her through the interesting life she led. She was often a blessing to others although continually struggling with difficult neuro-development conditions. She handled her life courageously and well. 

She left behind her two older brothers, Chuck Bayley (wife Karen) of Strathmore and Russ Bayley (wife Carolyn) of Abbotsford as well as sister Grace Drake (husband Keith) of Strathmore.

Although she never married or had children of her own, her nephews and nieces were very important to Linda. She was so good with them and loved any opportunities to spend time with them.

She spent some time studying God’s word at Berean Bible College shortly after high school. She loved to give of her time and help to others through Volunteer Programs. She worked with Operation Mobilization in Italy for several years and was a faithful member of several volunteer groups in downtown Calgary. She received recognition and was pleased to be awarded with several “volunteer award plaques”. These, plus her rewarding work as a trained assistant care giver in a nursing home, gave her much satisfaction; she knew she was genuinely helping and was valued.

Linda loved to travel and enjoyed several interesting trips. Her siblings, together, gave her a trip for her 50th birthday to the place of her choice, the Cook Islands. She also enjoyed time in Mexico and Hawaii and a trip over the Canadian Rockies to visit family in Abbotsford. For several years, she loved going on weekly outings to Cochrane for an ice-cream cone and a hike along the river. These were precious times of laughing and singing together for her and her sister. Great memories!

Linda was a faithful participator in her Bridgeland Church in Calgary; often walking and/or taking the bus weekly to be involved in weekend services as well as bible studies during the week. She so appreciated the friendships she made there; feeling very accepted and loved.

Up until the last few years, she easily made friends. Those she lived with at Baker House, in downtown Calgary, were precious to her. They enjoyed her warm, caring and often entertaining company.

In more recent years, while still living in Calgary, she spent quite a bit of time with her family at the Drake farm near Cheadle. They celebrated special days together and she became quite attached to the farm nephews and the animals. She loved it when other family members joined in these warm “together times” and especially cherished the times of singing together; blending her beautiful voice, harmonizing easily and eagerly participating in any activities- especially those involving food.:) 

Brother Chuck and his wife Karen moved into one of the Sagewood apartments shortly before Linda came to the nursing home, in the Namaka Unit area. How great for her to have them living so close. We considered her “living with family” during this time.

We are planning to have a private celebration of life for her, making it a family reunion and spreading her ashes where she loved to walk in the orchard. We will wait until summer for this to give the out-of-province families a safer time to travel over the mountains and prairies.

Linda had shared some years ago that for her funeral she wanted a Salvation Army marching band and a nice meal for her friends downtown in Calgary. That was our Linda! She will be so missed. Maybe we can make that meal happen sometime, but we are not too sure about the marching band. What a unique person; a breath of fresh air to those who were privileged to really get to know her.

To send condolences, please visit Linda’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca